Sure, I Suppose the Strasbourg Christmas Markets are Overrated
Relating to journey, I subscribe to some unpopular opinions. Reminiscent of: we’re all vacationers, and the “traveler vs. vacationer” debate is silly; everybody has the best to recline a recline-able airplane seat even when I do not prefer it; I do not give a crap if folks journey simply to take Instagram selfies; and I do not consider in gatekeeping the outside.
However maybe my hottest sizzling take with regards to journey is that this one: Strasbourg, France does NOT have the very best Christmas markets in Europe.
There, I lastly mentioned it! It feels good to get that off my chest. However earlier than you come for me together with your France-loving pitchforks, let me clarify why I really feel this fashion.
Strasbourg at Christmas
We’re all conversant in the custom of Christmas markets by this level, proper? (If not, for about 4 weeks main as much as Christmas, cities and cities throughout Europe arrange charming vacation market stalls the place distributors promote every part from handmade presents to mulled wine. The custom began in Germany centuries in the past, and has now unfold far and broad. Read more about Christmas markets here.)
I am an enormous fan of Christmas markets; I’ve visited actually dozens of them (simply greater than 40+) throughout a number of international locations, and I believe a Christmas market trip is likely one of the most magical issues you possibly can plan in Europe.
And the town of Strasbourg, France, is well-known as a wonderful Christmas metropolis in Europe. In truth, it even refers to itself because the Capitale de Noël, or “Capital of Christmas.” The Christmas markets in Strasbourg are a few of the oldest in Europe, relationship again so far as the 1500s, and there are a number of completely different markets of various sizes unfold all through the town annually.
However here is the reality about Strasbourg at Christmas: whereas the Christmas *decor* is unbelievable and delightful, I believe the precise Christmas *markets* themselves are simply okay. That is proper: I do not assume Strasbourg’s Christmas markets are notably particular in any respect.
Why Strasbourg at Christmas IS price it
Let’s discuss why you *ought to* nonetheless go to Strasbourg at Christmas. As a result of, regardless of the title of this submit, I am not truly suggesting that you simply skip Strasbourg altogether. But when you are going to Strasbourg at Christmas, go for the town itself and the vacation decor somewhat than for the Christmas markets.
Strasbourg Christmas decor
Strasbourg is a brilliant lovely metropolis any time of 12 months, with gingerbread buildings and a historic heart positioned on an island (the Grande-Île de Strasbourg). The entire island is generally closed to automobiles (and doubly so through the Christmas market season), making it an enthralling slice of France everytime you go.
However throughout Christmas, the festive spirit explodes everywhere in the streets and buildings of Strasbourg. Companies adorn their home windows and doorways, and slim streets are draped with twinkle lights and paper lanterns. An enormous Christmas tree is put up on Place Kléber, and the vibe all through the town is simply overflowing with vacation cheer.
A few of the streets with the very best Christmas decorations in Strasbourg embrace Rue du Maroquin (discover the well-known homes lined in teddy bears right here), Rue Mercière (for the lighted angels in entrance of the cathedral), Rue du Chaudron, Rue des Orfèvres, and Rue des Hallebardes.
Additionally take a look at Galeries Lafayette (exterior, a minimum of), and the streets in Petite France.
The guts of the Alsace
Strasbourg additionally makes a wonderful base within the Alsace area of France through the Christmas season. You may simply get to smaller cities/cities like Colmar, Eguisheim, Obernai, Kaysersberg-Vignoble, and extra, most of which have Christmas markets that I believe are higher than those you will discover in Strasbourg.
Why Strasbourg at Christmas is overrated
I’ve visited Strasbourg twice through the Christmas season. The primary time was in 2015, and whereas I loved the town itself, I discovered myself sort of unimpressed by the Christmas markets after having visited a number of markets in Germany.
I believed it was simply me; I believed that absolutely I would just had a foul day, or misremembered one thing since so many individuals gush over the Strasbourg Christmas markets.
However then I went again to Strasbourg at Christmas in 2023, and I felt the identical approach. Strasbourg is gorgeous at Christmas, however its Christmas markets are kinda… meh.
The Strasbourg markets really feel the identical
Strasbourg has a few dozen completely different markets of various sizes. The most important markets are: the one close to the Strasbourg Cathedral (the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-Strasbourg) that extends into Place du Château and down Rue des Hallebardes; the Chrìstkìndelsmärik on Place Broglie close to Hôtel de Ville (Metropolis Corridor); and the market at Place Kléber, which is dwelling to the Grand Sapin, or Christmas tree.
Smaller markets round Strasbourg embrace the Le Quai des Délices at Place du Marchéaux-Poissons; the kid-friendly Creation Village with storytelling exhibits and native merchandise on the market; the choice Le Marché OFF at Place Grimmeissen, the place distributors are arrange in delivery containers; and a number of other small markets in Petite France (like on Place St-Thomas and Place Benjamin Zix).
And when you’d assume that having so many various Christmas markets can be cool, in actuality all of them really feel just about the identical. There are lots of the identical chalets at each little market, typically promoting the identical items (many not locally-made), the identical meals, and the identical drinks.
The chalets in Strasbourg typically aren’t embellished, both – which appears so incongruous with the remainder of the town, which is so decked out in decor!
Add in plastic cups that the recent drinks are served in (as an alternative of the lovable ceramic mugs you discover at German Christmas markets), and the markets in Strasbourg simply do not feel tremendous particular or memorable to me.
It will get actually crowded
Strasbourg is a very fashionable Alsatian metropolis to go to, and I am fairly positive each single bus tour and river cruise brings folks right here at Christmas. You may’t go anyplace close to the Cathedral between the hours of about 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. with out working into dozens of huge tour teams following a information with a paddle.
I’ve nothing towards organized excursions like this (I’ve been on some!), however the recognition of Strasbourg implies that it will probably get very, very crowded through the holidays.
The markets at all times get extra busy after darkish, too. The one night time we visited Place Kléber to see the sunshine present on the big Christmas tree, we in a short time left after seeing how crowded the market space round it was.
The inflow of individuals to Strasbourg round Christmas additionally implies that resorts are costlier (and have extra of an opportunity of promoting out), and you may in all probability must make reservations for any eating places you actually wish to eat at when you’re on the town.
And, lastly, one other factor that’s tied to crowd numbers is the elevated police/navy presence in Strasbourg round Christmas. Town sadly suffered a terror assault at a Christmas market in 2018, which implies that at this time there’s at all times an armed presence on the markets. I am American and am used to seeing armed law enforcement officials, however I am not gonna lie: it is jarring to see women and men in fatigues strolling round Christmas markets with weapons strapped to them.
Do you have to skip Strasbourg at Christmas?
No, I would not go that far.
Strasbourg would not have my favourite Christmas markets in Europe (and even in France), however I do not assume it’s good to fully skip the town. It is nonetheless price it to see all of the Christmas decor – however I would not go for the Christmas markets alone until you are ready to be a bit underwhelmed.
What different markets would I like to recommend as an alternative? In France, I desire Colmar to Strasbourg (the Colmar markets are simply as busy as those in Strasbourg, however they’re extra distinctive and I believe supply higher purchasing), and I additionally love a few of the tiny cities within the Alsace (Obernai was my favourite).
However that is simply my private opinion, in fact, and it is high-quality in case you disagree!
On the finish of the day, I am glad I have been to Strasbourg at Christmas to see all of the decorations. However I am undecided I will be dashing again for its Christmas markets for a 3rd time.
Have you ever been to the Strasbourg Christmas markets? In that case, what did you consider them?
Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Harmful Enterprise Journey Weblog. She has traveled to greater than 60 international locations on 6 continents from her dwelling base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and considerate journey by way of the US, Europe, and remainder of the world. Amanda solely shares suggestions primarily based on her private experiences and locations she’s truly traveled!
